Christ Church, Mount Pellon Annual Parochial Church ... · mission of the church, pastoral,...

Christ Church, Mount Pellon Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Sunday 10th

April 2011 12.15 pm in Church

Contents:

Agenda p2 Minutes of Annual Vestry Meeting 2010 p3 Minutes of Annual Church Meeting 2010 p4 Annual Report and financial statement p8 Reports from groups and organisations p15

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Christ Church Mount Pellon Annual Parochial Church Meeting

Sunday 10th April 2011, 12.15pm in Church

1. Prayers ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING 2. Apologies for absence 3. Minutes of last year’s meeting 4. Election of Church Wardens 5. Election of Deputy Church Wardens ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING 6. Apologies for absence 7. Minutes of last year’s meeting 8. Matters arising 9. Report on the Revision of the Electoral Roll 10. Secretary’s Report 11. Treasurer’s Report 12. Churchwardens’ Report 13. Fabric Report 14. Election of Deanery Synod Representatives 15. Election of PCC 16. Election of Sidespeople 17. Appointment of Auditor 18. Reports from organizations connected to Christ Church (see the written reports in this booklet. These will not be read out, but questions may be asked about the reports) 19. Transforming Lives 20. Report from Vicar 21. Any other business

Christ Church Mount Pellon

Present: Michael & Pauline Crouch, Steve Daveney, Kath Griffiths, John & Karen Hellewell, Christine Hoyle, Barrie Kitchen, Sue Levis, June Lockwood, Lynn Lumb, Rosemary Power O’Mahoney, David Ramanauskas, Margaret Sanders, Jean Sparkes, Trevor Greenwood, Paul and Sue Heptinstall, Margaret Hulme, Norman McDonnell, Kit Merrill, Audrey Mitchell, Anne Rollinson, Val Schofield, Sharon Tyler, Angela Ward, Jane Webster, Rosemary Wright

CHRIST CHURCH MOUNT PELLON MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL VESTRY MEETING

Held on Sunday, 18th April 2010, 12.30 pm in Church 1. The meeting opened with prayers

2. Apologies for absence received from Ann & Michael Cockerill and Sarah Hellewell

3. The Minutes of Annual Vestry Meeting held on 5th April 2009 having been previously circulated were proposed by Kath Griffiths and seconded by Michael Crouch and signed as a correct record.

4. Election of Church Wardens - John Hellewell gave a big thank you Jane Webster for her 3 years service as Church Warden and Steve Daveney for his 6 years as Church Warden. Jane has decided to stand down and Steve has completed the maximum number of consecutive years permitted for a person to be appointed as Church Warden.

Michael Cockerill and Paul Heptinstall were nominated to stand as Church Wardens and there being no other candidates, both were elected.

5. Election of Deputy Church Wardens – Both existing Deputy Church Wardens have asked to stand down - Allister Watkins is not able to continue due to his work commitments and Lynn Lumb due to the additional work she undertakes at Christ Church. John Hellewell thanked them for the time they have given in this role.

Amanda Dalby was nominated and elected as Deputy Church Warden. There were no other nominations but it is permitted to appoint Deputy Church Wardens outside of the APCM through the PCC meeting.

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING Held Sunday, 18th April 2010, 12.30pm in Church

6. Apologies for absence received from Ann and Michael Cockerill and Sarah

Hellewell.

7. The Minutes of the Annual Church Meeting held on 5th April 2009 having been previously circulated were amended at 18 b) and c) to show the items were nominated by Margaret Sanders. Acceptance of the amended minutes was proposed by June Lockwood and seconded by Audrey Mitchell and signed as a correct record.

8. Matters Arising

a. Item 14 – A youth member of the PCC has not been nominated to attend PCC meetings. Norman McDonnell was asked to approach the Sharks group.

9. Report on the revision of the electoral role – The number of people on the electoral roll was not available and will be notified after the meeting.

10. Secretary’s Report – see booklet of reports.

11. Treasurers Report – see the Financial Statement in booklet of reports

a. Receipts – covenanted and planned giving down approx £10k - £5k gift aid and £4k down on income tax recovered. Collection at services slightly increased but overall not looking particularly good. Accumulated interest on investments £1,151. Finally after 16 years we have received the money from the winding up of the investment trust funds totalling £2,069. Total shortfall on payment of parish quota 2003-2009 amounts to £93,842 (£19,044 for 2009).

b. Income is below expenditure generally and we are drawing on our savings. We are not the only church in this situation and radical changes will need to be taken within the Church of England to remedy this problem.

c. Barrie Kitchen thanked everyone for their support – especially those who help with counting the collection money and especially June Lockwood for bringing cups of coffee down to those counting the collection money after the 10.45 am service

d. John Hellewell gave a vote of thanks to Barrie Kitchen for the 16 years service he has given as Treasurer for Christ Church – he has done a fantastic job over the years which has been much appreciated.

12. Church Wardens Report - see booklet of reports

13. Fabric Report

a. Quinquennial inspection last year – summary indicates the church is in good condition and no major defects identified. There are some small items requiring attention which will involve bringing in professional people so we have to plan these in line with the budget – it is anticipated that over the next 12 months these will be undertaken (Boilerhouse chimney, Broken fall pipe by the boiler house, slipped slates and missing slates on vestry roof. Vegetation growing out of parapets in boiler house and kitchen roof, pointing, windows in the clock tower require repairing and damp on the stairs. Plaster work in the nave arch). Barrie Kitchen asked if anyone had expertise in these areas and could offer their services it would be much appreciated.

14. Election of Deanery Synod Representatives – there were no elections as the representatives have one more year to stand.

15. Election of PCC

a. The following members of the PCC have finished their term of office - Ann & Michael Cockerill, Kit Merrill, Rosemary Power O’Mahoney and Kath Sharman.

b. Five nomination forms have been received - Gareth Toy, David Ramanauskas, Barrie Kitchen, Jean Sparks, Margaret Sanders and Kath Sharman. These were duly elected as members of the PCC. There are still vacancies on the PCC and it is permitted to appoint further members outside the APCM by the PCC members.

16. Election of Sidespeople

a. Steve Daveney asked for additional names for the sidesperson rota, new list will be issued shortly.

17. Appointment of Auditor

a. Paul Meredith is willing to act as Auditor again next year. Barrie Kitchen proposed and Margaret Sanders seconded, all present were in favour.

18. Reports from organisations connected to Christ Church had been handed out in booklet format prior to the meeting

19. Transforming Lives

a. A directive from Wakefield Diocese is that we should be looking at the APCM becoming a review of past year and also a focus on the year ahead. A report on our ‘focus’ for the coming year is detailed in the Vision and Strategy Report in the Reports booklet. We will report back on the results achieved at the next APCM.

20. Report from Vicar – see full report in Reports Booklet:

a. JH asked for any issues arising from the changes being implemented to be notified immediately so we can investigate and take any action necessary.

b. One of the speakers is not working and this is being looked into. The sound desk is to be moved to the middle of church (where the wooden part of the pulpit is currently located). This will help with setting the volume levels as currently these are set from the volume at back of church and due to the acoustics in church it is not possible to hear the increased volume of sound at the front of church.

c. Discussions will be taking place with the Choir as to their location during services due to the problems encountered in their new North Aisle location. The choir can be better heard when they are in the Chancel area.

d. John Hellewell concluded by saying that Christ Church is Christ’s church and we should all work together to resolve the problems and learn to live with one another to enable us all to live as Christ’s disciples from the youngest to the oldest. We offer a wide and diverse range of services and activities which is good for Christ Church in order to promote our ‘family’ values as a church.

21. Any Other Business

a. Sound system – Paul Heptinstall indicated that the music group have difficulty hearing what they are individually playing/singing and need fall back monitors to facilitate this. Without these monitors all they can hear is the whole groups playing/singing. At the moment he is using the Celebration Bands monitors but we need our own. John Hellewell indicated that this would be looked at as part of the Sound Desk changes. John Hellewell also indicated that we have introduced and are continually changing the style of services to offer a wider range.

b. New Songs/Hymns – Kitt Merrill asked if for new songs/hymns which are not in Beauty of Holiness or Missions Praise, that we provide a supply of (large) printed sheets for those who cannot use the words on the projected screen i.e. those in the north and south aisles and those who cannot read or have difficulty viewing the screen. John Hellewell indicated we will be looking at the viability of provision of monitors in the side aisles as it is possible we could have these sourced at very little cost.

c. Church Warden – Anne Rollinson indicated her concern at Paul Heptinstall being one of the Church Warden’s, due to his involvement in the music group most Sundays and not as a reflection of his abilities. John Hellewell indicated that the role of the Church Warden is to be looked into to see what changes can be made to the current role to enable this. Paul Heptinstall advised that he had raised these issues himself and he is prepared to stand down if this does not work.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 1.45 pm

Christ Church Mount Pellon, Halifax

ANNUAL REPORT and FINANCIAL STATEMENT of the P.C.C.

for the year ended 31st December 2010 Bank: Lloyds Bank plc, Commercial Street, Halifax

Independent Examiner: Paul Meredith, MAAT

BACKGROUND

Christ Church P.C.C. has the responsibility for co-operating with the incumbent and any attached curates, in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical. It also has the responsibilities for maintaining the church buildings and its surrounds.

MEMBERSHIP

Members of the P.C.C. are either ex-officio or elected by the Annual Parochial Church Meeting in accordance with Church Representation rules.

During the year the following served as members of the P.C.C.:

Incumbent: Rev John Hellewell

Churchwardens: Michael Cockerill Paul Heptinstall

Deanery Synod: Karen Hellewell (till ’11) Sue Heptinstall (till ’11) June Lockwood (till ’11)

Elected Members:

Kathleen Griffiths (till ’11) Barrie Kitchen (till ’12) Norman McDonnell (till ’11) David Ramanauskas (till ’13)

Margaret Sanders (Treasurer) (till ’13) Kath Sharman (PCC Secretary) (till ’13) Jean Sparkes (till ’13) Gareth Toy (till ’13)

ANNUAL REPORT for 2010

COMMITTEES

The P.C.C. operates with the assistance of a number of committees which meet occasionally.

Standing Committee

This is the only committee required by law. It has power to transact the business of the P.C.C. between its meetings, subject to any directives issued by the council. Membership: Rev John Hellewell, Margaret Sanders (treasurer), Michael Cockerill (Warden), Paul Heptinstall (Warden), and Kath Sharman (Secretary).

Finance Committee

Oversees the general financial functions of the work of Christ Church by monitoring income and expenditure, budgeting and co-ordinating the planned giving through Christian stewardship. Currently the Standing Committee form the Finance Committee.

Missions Group

To monitor the mission giving at Christ Church, including the collection and distribution of monies in accordance with their selective deliberations within the budgeted financial constraints. Membership: Kath Sharman (Chair), Janet Abel, Trevor Greenwood, John Hellewell

Independent Examiner’s Report to the PCC of Christ Church Mount Pellon This report on the financial statements of the PCC for the year ended 31st December 2010, which are set out on pages 10 to 13, is in respect of an examination carried out in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 ('the Regulations') and Section 43 of the Charities Act 1993 ('the Act').

Respective responsibilities of the PCC and the examiner As members of the PCC you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. You consider that the audit requirement of the Regulations and section 43 (2) of the Act do not apply. It is my responsibility to issue this report on those financial statements in accordance with the terms of the Regulations.

Basis of this report My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 43(7)(b) of the Act and to be found in the Church Guidance, 2006 edition, issued by the Finance Division of the Archbishops' Council. That examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the PCC and a comparison of the accounts with those records. It also includes considering any unusual items or disclosures in the financial statements and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts.

Independent examiner’s statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: (1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the

requirements - to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act; and - to prepare financial statements, which accord with the accounting records and

comply with the requirements of the Act and the Regulations have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Paul Meredith, MAAT

147 Highroad Well Lane Halifax

Date March 2011

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31ST 2010 PCC RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT

2010 2009 RECEIPTS

Carried forward from previous year 1,789.61 4,148.22 INCOMING RESOURCES FROM DONORS 101 Covenants and Gift Aid 16,259.90 16,110.91

102 Income Tax Recovered (1) 4,833.17 4,966.86

103 Uncovenanted Planned Giving 2,446.57 23,539.64 3,026.67 24,104.44

104 Collection at Services 4,693.09 5,044.26

105 Gift Day 722.30 665.12

Sundry Donations 173.00 895.30 - 665.12

OTHER VOLUNTARY INCOMING RESOURCES

201 Grants 105.00

202 Legacies -

203 Fund Raising 634.79 634.79 643.59 748.59

300 INCOME FROM INVESTMENTS

301 Dividends and Interest (2) 12.40 1,151.43

400

INCOME FROM ANCILLARY TRADING

401 Ancillary Trading 96.73 546.19

402 Church Property Hire 220.00 605.00

403 Magazine 258.35 295.64

404 PCC Fees 3,127.00 3,702.08 2,093.00 3,539.83

500 NON CHARITABLE TRADING - 600 OTHER INCOME

601 Insurances Claims/Other Income (6) 802.35 1,399.83

Proceeds of Disposal of Investment Assets (2) 802.35 2,069.98 3,469.81

TOTAL 36,069.26 42,871.70 DESIGNATED/RESTRICTED INCOME

100R Zaouche Appeal (3) 4,470.72 655.00

D Lee Donation in Memory to Fabric 625.50 1,280.50

Donation in Memory - Martin Wright 200.00

Donation in Memory - Frank Ellis 250.00

CWGC 105.00

Anon Donation for Reordering 5,025.72 500.00

200R CBF Deposit Account Transfer to Fabric 4,000.00 900.00

CBF Deposit Account Transfer to Reordering - 1,100.00

Flood Damage Samuel Room from CBF - 900.00

Total Transfer from CBF 4,000.00 2,900.00

TOTAL 45,094.98 47,552.20

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31ST 2010

PAYMENTS 2010 2009 1000 GRANTS

1001 Missionary and Charitable Giving 1,860.00 1,817.50 2000 CHURCH ACTIVITIES

2001 Diocesan Quota 8,000.00 19,000.00

2002 Clergy Expenses 1,313.22 1,022.55

2005 Church Running Expenses (4) 12,664.16 11,387.65

2006 Church Maintenance 802.98 13,467.14 2,295.37 13,683.02

2007 Upkeep of Services 1,182.63 1,004.03

2008 Upkeep of Churchyard 272.36 393.66

2009 Trading 50.00 28.58

2012 Major Repairs 6,539.47 -

2013 Major Replacements & Capital Expenditure

Reordering 1,944.92

Photocopier 1,363.28

Laptops for Projector 644.27

6,539.47 3,952.47

2016 Salaries/Honoraria -

2017 Support Costs - Sunday School etc 74.97 377.99

4000 CHURCH ADMINISTRATION

4001 Printing and Stationery etc 582.38 1,362.79

TOTAL UNRESTRICTED PAYMENTS 33,342.17 42,642.59 RESTRICTED PAYMENTS

Transfers to CBF -

Mara Diocesan Visit 665.00

Fabric 1,650.00 2,315.00

Parish Weekend 2010 Deposit 150.00

Salem Zaouche Appeal (3) 4,772.00 4,772.00 655.00 805.00

TOTAL PAYMENTS 38,114.17 45,762.59

SURPLUS (DEFICIT) RECEIPTS OVER

PAYMENT CARRIED FORWARD 6,825.84 1,789.61

44,940.01 47,552.20

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31ST 2010

SPECIAL PURPOSE DEPOSIT ACCOUNT – CBF (RESTRICTED - UPKEEP OF CHURCH)

2010 2009 Carried forward from previous year 5,898.43 6,373.51

Receipts 2,315.00

Interest 27.54 109.92

Payments - 4,000.00 - 2,900.00

Balance (5) 1,925.97 5,898.43

STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31ST DECEMBER 2009 2010 2009 ASSETS Bank Current A/C 6,825.84 941.50

Bank Lloyds TSB PCC A/C B Special Purposes (7) 1,528.97 1,734.91

CBF Special Purpose Deposit for Fabric (5) 1,925.97 5,898.43

WDCOS Trust Funds (2) 263.35 263.35

Debtor - Insurance Claim received 19 Jan 2010 521.35

TOTAL 10,544.13 9,359.54

LIABILITIES AND CREDIT BALANCES

Unrestricted Receipts & Payments A/C Balance 6,825.84 1,789.61

RESTRICTED FUNDS

Salem Zaouche Appeal Fund (7) 1,106.87 1,408.15

CBF Special Purpose Deposit for Fabric 1,929.04 -

Curates House (WDCOS) (2) -

Mount Pellon Repair (WDCOS) (2) 69.66 69.66

Curate/Lay Reader (WDCOS) (2) 193.69 193.69

Kathleen Fisher (WDCOS) (2) -

E & H Smith (WDCOS) (2) -

TOTAL 10,125.10 3,461.11

Approved by the PCC, 30

rd March 2011, and signed on their behalf by

Rev J Hellewell, PCC Chairman & M Sanders, Treasurer to the PCC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS 2010 (1) Income Tax recovered is from 1

st Jan 2009 to 31st December 2009. Income Tax

recovered from 2009 will be included in the 2010 accounts

(2) Income from Investments The Mount Pellon Repair 2.5% Treasury Stock 1912 and Curate/Lay Readers Trust 3.5% War Stock 1921 are held in Government Stocks and are pending, awaiting further legal considerations.

(3) Donations passed through Current A/C into A/C B including direct payments into A/C B (Salem Zaouche Donations) (4) Church running expenses include, £7284.00 Gas, £601.63 electricity, £3512.41 insurance,

£1214.41 cleaning, £52.00 water. (5) CBF Special Deposit a/c includes the following designated funds:- Lighting £1000.00 Fabric £ 270.97 Mara Diocesan Visit £ 655.00 £1925.97

(6) Insurance Claims (₤521.35 paid 19 Jan 2010 included in last years accounts) include burst radiator in Samuel Rooms and theft of laptop and cash. (7) Lloyds TSB PCC A/C Balance at 31/12/10 is £1528.97 of which £1106.87 is for the Salem Zaouche Appeal leaving the PCC balance at £422.10 (8) Unlisted liability to Wakefield Diocesan Board of Finance of £112,886 comprising £93,842 carried forward from previous years (2003 to 2009) plus deficit in 2010 of £27,000 (9) The financial statement of the PCC has been prepared in accordance with the Church Accounting Regulations 2006 using the Receipts and Payments basis

(10) The following assets are recognised but not necessarily valued in the statement of assets and liabilities. Movable Church furnishings held by the Church Wardens on special trust for the PCC and which require a faculty for disposal. (11) The expenses paid to the clergy and the church officers may include a small immaterial proportion, which relates to their function as PCC members

REPORTS from GROUPS and ORGANISATIONS

connected to

CHRIST CHURCH MOUNT PELLON

Presented in written format

at the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held

on Sunday 10th April 2011

12.15pm in Church Vicar’s Report p16 Church Warden’s Report p17 PCC Secretary’s Report p18 Deanery Synod Report p18 Area Co-ordinator Reports p19 Group Reports p25 Uniformed Organisation Reports p29

VICAR’S REPORT

They say it’s a sign of getting older that the years fly past quicker and quicker. If so, I must be ancient by now. Where did last year go?

So much has happened. Firstly, we celebrated the ordination of Sue Heptinstall to the diaconate, and are very much looking forward to her priesting on 25

th June at 3pm here

at Christ Church. A great occasion that I am sure will be well supported by us all.

Secondly, we welcomed two new Wardens who have already made changes. One of the side-effects of their election was the introduction of a team of welcomers at the Church doors on a Sunday morning because of the Wardens other Sunday responsibilities. Involving more people in active ministry can only be a good thing, and I personally would like to see this trend continue in every area of church life.

Thirdly, Sharx in particular and the young people’s work in general is just mind-blowing. When I first came to Christ Church, one of the things people were keen on was the young people’s work. For no apparent reason this went through a season that was hard work, to say the least, and numbers dropped. However, God is on the move again, and the team leading this work are being obedient to God in serving our young people in this way.

Fourthly, TEXTPRAYERS continues to provide a vehicle that not only encourages our prayer life during the week but also encourages us tremendously as we see God providing some amazing answers to our prayers. This can only increase our faith!

Fifthly, the preaching themes over the past year seem to have been well received and many people have said there is a discernable difference in the atmosphere – a greater openness to the Spirit and to one another, which is to be nurtured and encouraged.

Sixthly, the links with St. Augustine’s are growing and maturing. We have already gained so much from one another, and I am convinced that we have so much more to gain.

So what about the future? Well, in a very real sense we will have to wait and see! God, I am sure, will do more amazing things that we can’t predict at this moment. But I think there are some pointers.

Firstly, we will be concentrating on developing the confidence and ministry of everybody. God has given each of us different gifts, but he expects us to use them. We will be looking not only in our preaching but in our other groups at how we can encourage one another to explore and develop those gifts we have.

Then we will be looking afresh at the liturgy we use week by week. It is over 10 years since most of it was introduced, and whilst the truths expressed by it don’t change, the way we need to express it to today’s congregation must – we are not the same as we were 10 years ago!

But Sunday worship is not an end in itself. Rather, along with other things, it is there to equip us for service in the world, so we will also be looking more closely at how we might reach out to our community, and live lives that more completely show we are disciples of Jesus.

What will all this look like in a year’s time? I don’t know! But I do know that following Jesus is an adventure that I wouldn’t miss for the world! Will you join me?

John Hellewell

CHURCH WARDENS’ REPORT

Over this past year, our first as Church Wardens, there have been a few slight changes in the way we do things in church. The most obvious is that we now have a team who welcome people as they come to worship on a Sunday. This has been a great success as it enables new people to be involved in ministry widening responsibility.

We have had a few difficulties with the building, especially problems with the boiler and one or two significant leaks. There have also been problems on the electrical side, which are being dealt with.

Following the successful re-ordering of the building, this past year has seen the completion of this with the sound desk re-positioning and additional lighting in the chancel area.

We are grateful to the team of people who work behind the scenes ensuring that the church is kept neat and tidy and also the upkeep of the grounds. There are many tasks carried out quietly in the background, which enables the services to run smoothly and people are made to feel welcome from coming through the door to leaving.

The Church Wardens may not always be visible at the back of church as has happened in previous years. However, we feel that the involvement of others in this area of ministry has enabled others to share the workload.

There are many people who work tirelessly behind the scenes in many different areas. And we appreciate every task which is carried out. Obviously there are too many people to mention, but you know who you are.

We must also mention the social events that have occurred recently. It is always good to see the church family in a more relaxed context, and get to know people in a different way. We look forward to more events in the future.

The church is a family and we all work together for the kingdom of God. There are always opportunities to be involved. If you are looking to help in any way please speak to us.

Michael Cockerill and Paul Heptinstall, Church Wardens

PCC SECRETARY’S REPORT

The PCC has met regularly over the past year - apart from a slight blip due to the bad weather earlier this year - and also on occasion the Standing Committee. We have also set up a regular joint PCC meeting with St Augustine’s and it helps us to discuss items which affect both our Parishes and also what is going on in each other’s Parishes.

As a PCC we continue to work together to listen to God’s will for Christ Church and progress the various changes to bring this about. We continue to hold discussions on the development of the church building itself to have the right environment for us to worship God, and regularly discuss health and safety issues, our financial standing, security, the children’s work including the Child Protection Policy, reviewing service patterns and re-ordering of the church building.

We welcome suggestions/comments from you our church family, we listen to what you are saying and try to make the right decisions. If you wish to bring any matter to the attention of the PCC as a member of the congregation, then either write to or email John or myself or speak to any member of the PCC and we will bring the issue forward at the next meeting.

At the PCC meetings we discuss the everyday running matters of the church and also where we as a church are growing. The PCC is open to any member of the church who is on the electoral role. Why not think about serving as a member. Nomination forms can be found on the desk at the back of church.

Once again, I would like to thank John and the PCC members for their continued support over the last twelve months. Especially when someone has had to stand in for me taking the minutes – your help and support have been most appreciated.

Kath Sharman

DEANERY SYNOD REPRESENTATIVE REPORT

The Deanery Synod is the next ‘tier’ of church government above the PCC. It consists of clergy and lay people from all the churches in our Deanery (largely Halifax), and it has the power to discuss issues raised in Parishes, and to send agenda items to Diocesan Synod.

Synod met three times in 2010, and has already met once this year, and along with reports from various churches in the deanery, and from Diocesan and General Synod, we had presentations and discussions about the work of the St. Augustine’s Centre, Interfaith working, and the proposals for women to become bishops.

Along with myself, our Deanery Synod reps have been Karen Hellewell, Sue Heptinstall and June Lockwood. If you want any more details, or would like to know more of what’s going on, have a word with them. New members will be elected at this APCM, so why not think about standing for election?

John Hellewell

AREA CO-ORDINATOR FOR ADMINISTRATION

Thanks to John for the time given in editing the Magazine and we now have a new editor – Sharon Tyler who is sharing the job with John. John continues to photocopy the magazine and Val Schofield and June organise the distribution. Thanks to you all.

The bi-monthly church magazine ‘Hub’ seems to be working well, it’s great that we can incorporate St Augustine’s in. We still welcome articles from anyone to include in the magazine so any snippets you would like including let either myself, John or Sharon know.

My continued thanks to those who volunteer to do the readings and prayers for our services, and also those who bring the bread for Communion and serve coffee and juice after the services – too many to mention by name but you are most appreciated. We are always looking for more volunteers to undertake these varied roles – do you sit in church on Sundays and think ‘ I would like to do that’ – just let me or any of the preaching team know – if you feel you need some training to do the job of reading or prayer leading we can help.

Kath Sharman

AREA CO-ORDINATOR FOR MISSION & EVANGELISM

Alpha

Yet again we are nearing the end of a very successful Alpha course. This time 12 people have attended most of the sessions, and we have had some fascinating and stimulating discussions. It is a great way of introducing people to the Christian faith, or refreshing your own thinking about what you believe.

We have also had a small but lively youth Confirmation course with 4 young people attending, including 1 from a neighbouring church. We are looking forward to the confirmation at the beginning of June.

We shall also be running a ‘Jesus Special Meal’ course for children who would like to receive communion before confirmation. This is especially suitable for younger children. Have a word with John if you might be interested in your children/grandchildren being involved.

John Hellewell

Men’s Breakfast Meetings

The Men’s Breakfast meetings continue to be an excellent chance to get together for fellowship, study and fun, as well as an excellent breakfast!

We have watched several videos, followed by some lively discussions, and also had several guest speakers who have been very stimulating (they need to be at 8am in the morning!), telling us their faith stories, and leading us to consider how God is at work in our lives today.

We are currently meeting in The Fountainhead. Why not come and join us, and grow in your faith?

David Ramanauskas

AREA CO-ORDINATOR FOR PRAYER & WORSHIP

Prayer

Text prayers continues to be a valuable and much appreciated part of the prayer life of Christ Church (and St. Augustine’s, and indeed much wider). If you are not part of the network, why not join today? Text “TEXTPRAYERS – YES PLEASE” to 07885-22-44-86 to join in! We are much indebted to Iain Lawson for continuing to provide this facility for us.

Although still used for midweek and early services, the lady chapel has now become a prayer chapel – a quiet space for private prayer and reflection before, during or after services. There is the facility there to light a candle as a sign of your prayers, to sit quietly and pray on your own, and after every main morning service to receive prayer from our healing prayer team. This can be prayer for any reason, not just for ‘healing’, and is in total confidence. Indeed, you do not even have to say what you require prayer for – God knows – but it is always good to let others pray for/with you. Sue Heptinstall and Angela Ward head up our healing prayer team, and if you would be interested in joining that team, then please do have a word with them.

Along with the board at the back of church, we now have a book in the prayer chapel that can be used to enter in your prayer requests. Requests that are entered here will be used as part of our Wednesday and early Sunday service prayers, but can be read by anyone at any time to help their prayers. Please do use this resource and let us pray even more for one another.

We are constantly looking for ways to help people to pray, so if you would like help, or have any suggestions, please do have a word with the leadership team.

John Hellewell

Worship

Over this last twelve months the worship team has had a more settled membership. Rosemary, Paul, Patricia, Diane and I have covered all the services. The team has been enhanced by Chris Butler recently coming in on vocals. Another valuable asset to the team has been the introduction of signing at one of our main morning services. Lynn Lawson has enhanced the services with her lovely expression of worship, which helps the deaf community to take a full part in the worship.

We have also had training for the sound desk operatives, with a local sound company spending half a day helping us to understand the technical aspect of sound. This has also opened up opportunities for others to come on board.

We constantly look for new and relevant material to enhance the worship. Spring Harvest is a main source of new songs and we hope to once again introduce a new collection of songs when we visit again this year.

We also value the contribution the choir make to our Sunday morning worship, and especially would like to thank Rosemary Wright for the work and dedication she puts in playing week by week and the time she gives to the choir. We look forward to developing their role.

We also look forward to developing other styles of music, and have had a couple of Taize style services on a Sunday evening which have been well received. We hope to make this a more regular feature of our evening services in the future.

Paul Heptinstall

AREA CO-ORDINATOR FOR PASTORAL CARE

Christ Church pastoral care team is still going strong. We meet bi-monthly and have tea, cake & chat.

Sadly, two of our original members have decided it was time to retire. We still miss them at our meetings and wish them well.

As you know this is all voluntary work and can sometimes be demanding and time consuming. Life being what it is with all its stresses there are always people who need pastoral care.

My grateful thanks to my kind, caring and committed team. I am always in their debt.

Thank you God for such a willing team.

Rosemary Power-O’Mahony

AREA CO-ORDINATOR FOR PLANT and FABRIC REPORT

2010 saw the maintenance programme prompted by the Quinquennial report and the Ecclesiastical Insurance Risk Management report more or less complied with, the few loose ends left will be sorted over the coming months. Currently the church fabric is in a good condition with no major defects

This year saw the moving of the font and pulpit and raising and extending the dais at the front of the church, the moving of the Sound System to a central point in the Nave, creating an area of seating for the disabled and modifications to the lighting.

Major concern now is the gas heating system. The boiler is now showing signs of its age and becoming temperamental, the water pipes supplying the radiators are starting to spring leaks and overall the system is very inefficient and expensive to run. Your PCC are in early discussions with contractors with a view to replacing the whole system in the church.(The North Aisle is a stand alone system and would not be affected)

This will come out at a price and every avenue will have to be explored for grants, loans and fund raising.

As there are always minor maintenance jobs to do around the church, if anyone has the time and the talents to help us they would be most welcome. Contact the undersigned or the Church Wardens.

Barrie Kitchen

AREA CO-ORDINATOR FOR VISION & STRATEGY

Unfortunately, we did not get chance to put our strategy into the format of “Transforming Lives” yet, but this will be happening in the near future.

As part of doing this, we require the whole church to be praying about what God is saying to us as a church, and what he is asking us to focus on this year.

In reflecting on last year’s themes of reverence and prayer it is heartening that prayer has become so much more a feature of church life. Also, times of quiet are I hope more obvious in our services, although we still need to work on appropriate quiet before services and during communion.

John Hellewell

AREA CO-ORDINATOR FOR YOUTH & CHILDREN’S WORK

Starfish and Dolphins Report

Starfish and Dolphins continues to meet every Sunday (except parade services), even during school holidays and as one group. This has proved very successful, and the children really enjoy coming, and indeed some members complain to their parents when they can’t attend!

We have a great team of people who help out, with a mixture of people who have been helping faithfully for many years, and others who are stepping out in faith and having a go! All are valued members of the team.

The team work out the rota between themselves, and so far it seems to be working well, although we can always use new (or old!) volunteers.

It is good to share what the children have been doing at the end of the service, making links between the adult and child members of the congregation.

The Starfish & Dolphin Team

Sharx Report

I am happy to report that SharX – The Christ Church Christian Youth Group – continues to grow not only in numbers but in friendship, fun and most importantly Christian awareness and faith.

Last April we were delighted to announce that the average attendance had grown to about 12 SharX per meeting. I am now able to declare an average attendance of about 26 of our 33 members.

From a church point of view the highlight of our year was the contribution of 16 members to our Christmas production of ‘The Gift’ and the response they received from the congregation.

SharX was of course moved to Wednesday evenings because we were unable to persuade the young people to attend on a Sunday morning. We still hope that in time there will be a greater influx of SharX and their parents to Sunday services but have accepted that the fortnightly Wednesday evening meetings are the young peoples’ equivalent of the traditional Sunday services.

The format of fun and games combined with solid Christian teaching seems to be working really well. Every member is admitted on the strict understanding that they must take part in at least 30 minutes of Christian teaching and/or discussion relevant to today’s society and young people in particular.

We also continue to place great emphasis on the need to be self sufficient and contribute to raising our own funds plus improve their awareness of the need to help other less fortunate members of society.

Trips to Laser zone and Electric bowl have contributed to team building as did the weekend aboard the ‘Spirit of Guiding’ narrow boat last summer. This year we will be spending a weekend at Bradley Wood campsite & activity centre.

Our fundraising activities this year are designed to involve the members in providing a blaze of colour throughout Calderdale by contributing to the production of 2500 bedding plants. The sale of these plants will ensure that we are able to take part in several activities whilst at Bradley Wood and 10% of the proceeds will be donated to The Forget Me Not Trust in support of the building in Huddersfield of the West Yorkshire Hospice for respite care for children. The members voted to contribute 10% of all income received to worthy causes via a recent survey they completed.

The above is just a snapshot of the progress we feel we are making as we begin to establish SharX as a caring sharing Christian Youth Group.

Many, many thanks to the SharX leaders for the tolerance and patience they continue to show. We have a really great team each possessing very special skills;

Lynn, the patience of a Saint who makes sure the Word is taught in a way relevant to the youth of today – many have tried to outsmart Lynn – none have succeeded.

Sharon, so full of energy and great ideas - once she puts her mind to something IT WILL BE DONE!

Michael, our gentle giant so calm and unflustered, leads by example and loved by all our members.

Our two latest volunteers Dave and Emma have slotted in ever so well and are beginning to build up a good rapport with the members. Without them we would now have to turn away potential new members.

As SharX continues to grow I would like to thank the Christ Church congregation for your continued support and prayers. We look forward to providing more input to Sunday services in the near future.

Yours in Christ

NormanNormanNormanNorman Norman McDonnell (Youth Leader)

BAPTISM TEAM

We have had a successful year with baptisms being held after the service on Parade Sundays. This system works very well as most baptism parties have a large number of supporters and the Church is quite full.

As in the past, a meeting is held in the Barn with parents and Godparents before the baptism service. Sue Heptinstall has now joined in helping out at some of these meetings. The meeting is informative – John or Sue talk to the parents and Godparents and a video is shown to help with the meaning of baptism. It also gives the opportunity for questions by family and friends before a rehearsal in Church.

The Baptism Service stresses the importance of the Church family which is why the parents and children are invited back to the next Parade Service to be introduced to the congregation and receive their Baptism candle and card.

We have had 16 baptisms, all children this year.

If anyone is interested in joining the baptism team then please do have a word with John or myself, you will be most welcome.

Ann Cockerill

CELEBRATION EVENTS

The Celebration Band play at Christ Church every 2nd Sunday of the month. This service has gone from strength to strength with a core congregation each month, and also other new people coming to worship in this contemporary style. This is also a signed service with Lynn providing her skills with her wonderful gift. Many people consider this to be their other church, enjoying the worship and fellowship after over food. We constantly bring new material in this service, which sometimes feeds into the morning worship.

The Celebration Band also plays at other churches and events across Yorkshire and raises funds for charities.

We have unfortunately been plagued by illness this year with our drummer Lewis having several operations on his knee. However, Chris Stockings has always managed to help us out on a variety of instruments.

This service has a predominantly contemporary worship style, which also incorporates classic worship songs and remixed hymns. In this way we incorporate traditional, timeless choruses, whilst at the same time keeping up to date with God’s anointing upon up- and-coming worship leaders of today.

One of the highlights of this service is the fellowship enjoyed over a faith supper afterwards.

Paul and Sue Heptinstall

CHATTERBOX REPORT

Chatterbox again has had a mixed year. After re-launching after last Easter, we had reasonable numbers until the summer break. After the holidays we again struggled, and decided we would have a longer break from running it. We are aiming to try again after the Easter holidays, so do spread the word, and do pray for the future of Chatterbox – we only want to do it if God wants us to!

Ann Cockerill

FOOTBALL

Although football continues at North Bridge, and some of the original people still play, it has no formal links with the church now. Like many things that God does, there are seasons for it, and it is important that we ensure we are able to let go of things appropriately as well as start new things up!

John Hellewell

HOME COMMUNIONS

Home communions take place on the first Tuesday of each month. Sadly in the past year two of my regular communicants have died. At the moment numbers are down, but that can change at any time.

They are all so grateful and appreciate my visit and say how much better they feel after communion. I always leave with their collection / donation to include in our church giving.

Rosemary Power-O’Mahony

HOME GROUPS

Home groups continue to be important and very much enjoyed by those who attend. Having increased numbers attending over the previous year, we now aim to increase the number of groups so that even more can attend.

Having the opportunity to meet together with other Christians, to study the bible together, to support and encourage one another is an essential part of living the Christian life. If you are not part of a group yet, then do have a word with one of us – you won’t regret it!

Our sincere thanks to all those running the groups who give of there time so willingly. Thank you too to John for providing us with such great material to reflect upon.

Karen Hellewell & Sue Heptinstall

LADIES FRIDAY GROUP

The Ladies Friday Group held the Annual General meeting in May 2010 at Ann Gardner’s and we planned meetings for the next twelve months.

The group has met 5 times over the last year and it was decided that a bring and share supper would be appropriate for all meetings. The sixth meeting planned in December had to be cancelled due to bad weather. This was going to be our Christmas party at Ann Cockerill’s, but unfortunately we are not in control of the weather, which has been particularly bad for the last two winters.

Numbers at the meetings have been varied from 5 to 12 but it they have been enjoyed by all. It’s good to catch up and have a chat and/or supper and a glass of wine.

We had our annual bring and share family barbecue once again in August, at Rosemary and David’s. There were approximately 30 of us and David did us proud with the cooking. The weather was really kind to us and I would like to thank Rosemary and David who work hard to make this a success for us. It wouldn’t be complete without a thank you to all who contributed by buying or bringing food to complete the meal.

Our next meeting is our Annual General meeting at Ann Gardner’s, 16 Arden Road and is on Friday 1st April at 7.30 p.m. By the time this goes to press we will have planned our next twelve months events. Any ladies are welcome to join us and please pick up a card at the back of church. The card gives details of where and when we are meeting.

I would like to thank all anyone who has hosted our meetings or contributed in any way to their success.

The Ladies Friday Group is open to all ladies. If you would like to know more about the Friday Group please have a word with one of us or simply come along to the next meeting.

Ann Gardner

LUNCHBOX

Lunchbox took a well deserved rest this last year, but has now been re-launched on a different day. We now meet on the last Wednesday of each month at 12.15pm, after a communion service in the prayer chapel starting at 11.30am.

We are very grateful for the new team of people helping – to Kath Griffiths for organising things, and to Jean Sparkes and Margaret Sanders for making the lovely soup. Why not come along and see what you’re missing!

John Hellewell

MISSION GROUP

Due to bad weather and other commitments we have not managed to meet during 2010 but I have continued to concentrate on our three main charities, Christian Aid, The Children’s Society and The Mara, but have also included other appeals received especially for the various emergency appeals we have had in the last year with all the catastrophies occurring throughout the world.

We are also continuing to sponsor a child through the BibleLands Society Raffi Parikian. Raffi will shortly be leaving school and we will be sponsoring a further child through their education. We also continue to support other charities through retiring collections throughout the year – Leprosy Mission, UNICEF (Jars of Grace), Christian Aid, The Children’s Society and also our link with The Mara through the collection jar at the back of church.

We thank you all for your generosity and compassion in times of need and for being part of our missions giving from Christ Church.

The current Missions Group members are myself as Chairman, and John Hellewell. Trevor Greenwood and Janet Abel have given up as members of the Group and I thank them for the work they have put in during the time they have been members of the Group. At our meeting in February this year John and I identified others we would like to invite to join the Group and I am pleased to say that Fran Nowell, Yvonne Hagan and Rosemary Wright have accepted and we will have our next meeting in May.

The aim of the Missions Group is to donate funds to the identified charities. The money given is received from the Church’s income and this together with other special collections throughout the year as detailed above we aim to reach 10% of the Church’s income for the year.

Would you like to volunteer to join the Missions Group – we meet once a term to consider the appeals received and also take part in the Christian Aid Sunday Service. We are especially looking for someone to take up the role as Link Parish Co-ordinator for our link parish in the Mara and also for Christian Aid. If you are interested please speak to either myself or John.

Kath Sharman, Chair of Missions Group

WEDDING AND FUNERAL VERGER’S REPORT

Weddings

There were 6 weddings in 2009, all lovely and my Deputy, Kath Griffiths, and I tried to make it a memorable time for the bride and groom and made sure their guests were welcomed into our church. The first one was in February and the last one in December. We are grateful to the organists, Margaret Seed and Joan Woodall and thanks to John and Rev. Tina Turner who performed the ceremonies.

Funerals

We had six funerals held in Christ Church during 2009. We were happy to work with the Funeral Directors and thank them for their assistance. Once again, thanks to John who took four services, Rev. Stephen Bradberry and Rev. Tina Turner who took one each. Once again, Margaret and Joan played the organ and put on requested CDs and our thanks go to them.

June Lockwood

RAINBOWS

Our Rainbow Programme continues to be well received by the Rainbows. The programme is based around the four words – Look, Learn, Laugh and Love, which form the basis for our opening song.

Look at the world around Look, Learn, Laugh, Love Learn everything you can Rainbows has begun Laugh as you go along We’re all here now Love this world of ours Come and join the fun.

We currently have 13 Rainbows, three warranted Guiders (Jane Webster, Liz Coulson and Sarah Gamble), one leader in training (Amanda Brown) and one Young Leader (Ellen Coulson).

We’ve had another very busy and fun filled time over the last 12 months. Weekly Unit meetings have included a mix of games, singing, dancing, art and craft activities and our favourite activity food.

The main highlights have been:

Our participation in many of the Girlguiding’s Centenary Celebration events:

o made floral decorations to gain the County floral centenary badge

o hunted for minibeasts at Shibden Park in June

o attended a Princess Party dressed as princesses at Bertie’s Banqueting Hall in Elland in October

o and the District centenary finale event held at Christ Church where girls watched a DVD about the history or Guiding, made banners which are now hung up in church and ate birthday cake

With our connection to Christ Church Pellon we have:

o Collected money for the UNICEF Jars of Grace Appeal

o Brought piles of unwanted toys, games, books and videos to the church Toy Service in November.

o Led the prayers at three of the parade services.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Liz Coulson (Mrs Snowdrop), Ellen (Miss Daisy), Amanda Brown (Mrs Tulip) and Sarah Gamble (Mrs Lily) for their support and encouragement in making Rainbows a fun place to be.

Miss Rainbow, Jane Webster (Rainbow Guider).

1ST PELLON CHRISTCHURCH BROWNIES YEAR

Brownies took part in the St George’s Day Parade on 25th April 2010.

We held a sleepover in church to get the Brownies used to being away overnight (so we can look at taking them away on pack holiday next year). The Brownies completed their agility badge and had a really fun time.

The Brownies climbed up Wainhouse Tower as part of the Adventure 100 badge and some of them went up and down more than once.

As we have worked towards the Discovering Faith badge Diane Robinson visited the unit and discussed her faith with the Brownies, then we had a sing a long.

In November the Brownies had a few science nights were we experimented with cornflour and made rockets from old camera film cases and Alka Seltzer tablets – the Brownies really like this experiment.

We had the final 100 years celebration at Christchurch on 20th October 2010 where all the units from the District made the banners that now appear in church and following a DVD presentation everyone renewed their promises at 2010 2010 2010, the event was attended by nearly 100 people.

At Christmas time we made lots of Christmas crafts and ended the term with a bring and share party.

Brownies attended the YMCA pantomime Little Jack Horner on 4th February 2011.

Brownies have worked towards a variety of badges over the last twelve months including centenary badges.

We have flown 3 girls up to Guides and 13 new recruits to the unit.

Thank you to Snowy Owl (Tricia Sutcliffe) and Joanne Hellowell (Trainee Assistant Brownie Guider) and our new recruit Sarah Rochford (Barn Owl) who give up valuable time to help run the unit and thanks to Roberta Sutcliffe and Erika Sutcliffe who help organise games, without there support the unit would not function..

Brown Owl, Tracy Jagger

1ST PELLON (CHRIST CHURCH) GUIDES

As is usual we have been busy with different activities: making Mother’s Day cards, Easter cards and Egg Hunt, Christmas cards and in September we decorated a window in Church for Harvest.

During the year we have had a few events – in February we took some of the girls to PGL Winmarleigh Hall where they enjoyed a fun filled activity weekend as part of the Girlguiding’s Centenary Celebrations organised in the County. They had a great time despite the cold weather. We also held our own joint Centenary and the units 80th Birthday Party in July when we had an open evening. In September we had a very cold sleepover in church – the heating was off and it was very cold weather at the time. In October we invited a Scouter to come and talk to us about his trip to Nepal and on the 20th October saw us host the District’s Centenary Finale Party – a great evening where the girls produced panels depicting what they had done in Girlguiding during the Centenary Year and we all renewed our promise as did all other members of Girlguiding throughout the country at 8.10 pm – an odd time you might think but the slogan was 20:10, 20/10, 2010. These are currently displayed in our church. In November we had our usual Soup and fire works evening with some splendid fireworks.

Sadly during the year Ann Cockerill announced that she was going to retire at Christmas. The other Guiders decided it would be good to have a weekend away in December at Bradley Wood and incorporate a surprise party for Ann – our plans for the surprise were dashed when Ann announced she was going to organise a party herself and we had to confess our plans. It was a great weekend and the support and help we received from the Bradley Wood staff was wonderful making the weekend a great success. We invited many friends Ann had made in Guiding through the years and Ann was presented with gifts from the girls, the leaders and flowers and gifts from many of her friends. We had another party just for the girls at Ann’s last meeting – so she had a great send off and we wish her well in her retirement.

Louise Cater has now taken over running the Unit and we also welcomed a new Guider Elizabeth Nichols – Elizabeth was Guiding in Pudsey despite living in our Parish and was looking to relocate. Elizabeth and her family started coming to our church with Terry her husband and Charlie their son on the day Ann was presented with a thanks gift from Church for the time she has given to Girlguiding. Elizabeth asked if she could join our unit and hasn’t stopped coming since.

Kath Sharman, Assistant Guide Guider

Christ Church, Mount Pellon Annual Parochial Church ... · mission of the church, pastoral,...

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